South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun made an emotional appearance at a press conference, denying allegations that he dated actress Kim Sae-ron when she was 15 years old. The controversy surrounding the relationship began after a YouTube channel published videos and photos allegedly documenting a six-year romance between the two actors.
Kim acknowledged dating the late actress but claimed their relationship occurred only from 2019 to 2020, when she was an adult. He stated that their relationship was similar to any other ordinary couple’s, with no pressure or manipulation involved.
The controversy escalated when Kim Sae-ron’s family revealed chat history between the two actors from 2016, when she was 16. Kim defended his previous denials, citing concerns about protecting his image as a lead actor and potential consequences for those involved in the production of the TV show “Queen of Tears” where they appeared together.
Kim also strongly rejected claims that his agency pressured Kim Sae-ron over a debt related to a 2022 drunk-driving incident. He played a recorded phone call suggesting the agency had offered her time to respond about the debt, but insisted it was not an attempt to pressure her into silence.
The scandal has significantly impacted Kim’s career, with several brands ending their partnerships with him and a Disney+ production being paused. His legal team has filed criminal complaints against Kim Sae-ron’s family and the YouTube channel, along with a civil lawsuit seeking damages of KRW12 billion (approximately $8.1 million).
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/kim-soo-hyun-denies-underage-romance-kim-sae-ron-1236352459